Morgan Stanley Sees Stable, Not Stellar September for Retail Softline Sales

 

Morgan Stanley issued its Retail and Softlines Sales Preview report Monday which observed “stable” but “not stellar” numbers for September.

 

Analysts led by Kimberley C. Greenberger expressed that “September sales were in-line to slightly below August. Week 1 was likely the best week of the month driven by Labor Day and the end of Back-to- School shopping.”

 

“The rest of September lacked clear catalysts but should have benefitted from [an] easier 2H” compared to the same period in 2013 with the US government shutdown and debt ceiling debate. “Data continues to suggest consumers' ability to spend is outpacing their willingness to spend.” 

 

Greenberger expected sales at L Brands Inc. LB to meet expectations as it “remains one of retail’s best executors,” Gap GPS comparable stores to be up 1 percent.”

 

The report noted that Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ANF “in-store assortment continues to improve and offers superior fashion” than competitors.  

 

Urban Outfitters’ URBN “product assortment and quality looks much improved” and “remains on track for a 4Q positive inflection.”

 

The report concluded that Express, Inc. EXPR sales “trends have remained challenged throughout September. We are reducing our 3Q same store sales estimate 100 bps to -3 percent and EPS 1c to $0.15.”

Posted In: NewsRetail SalesKimberly GreenbergerMorgan Stanley
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